Nutrition Diet: Is Tito's Vodka Gluten? The Complete Guide for Your Gluten-Free Journey

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, pure distilled spirits are considered gluten-free, even if made from gluten-containing grains, due to the distillation process. This science brings clarity to a common question for those with dietary restrictions: is tito's vodka gluten? For individuals following a gluten-free regimen, understanding the production methods of popular spirits like Tito's is essential for making informed and safe choices.

Quick Summary

Tito's Handmade Vodka is certified gluten-free and made from corn, making it a safe choice for those on a gluten-free diet. The distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins from the finished product, even when originating from gluten-containing grains. Flavored versions pose a risk, but Tito's is unflavored.

Key Points

Certified Gluten-Free: Tito's Handmade Vodka holds an official gluten-free certification from the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG).
Corn-Based Ingredients: The vodka is distilled from 100% American corn, a naturally gluten-free ingredient.
Distillation Process: Even vodkas made from gluten-containing grains are considered gluten-free after distillation, which removes the gluten proteins.
No Flavorings or Additives: Tito's only produces an unflavored vodka, eliminating the risk of hidden gluten found in additives or mash added post-distillation.
Safe for Celiac Disease: Its verified gluten-free status and transparent production process make it a suitable choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Transparent Labeling: The company clearly states "GLUTEN-FREE" on its labels and website, reinforcing consumer confidence.

Understanding Gluten and Distillation

For those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, understanding how spirits are produced is vital. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. During the process of making alcohol, fermentation is followed by distillation, a purification method that separates the alcohol from other components.

The Science of Distillation: Distillation heats fermented liquid, causing alcohol to vaporize and separate from larger gluten proteins. The resulting condensed vapor is a pure, gluten-free spirit. Both the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognize that pure distilled spirits are free of detectable gluten.
The Gluten-Free Labeling Distinction: TTB labeling rules allow spirits from naturally gluten-free ingredients (like corn) to be labeled "gluten-free." Spirits from gluten grains must state that gluten was removed by distillation. Despite different labeling, the final unflavored product is gluten-free.

Is Tito's Vodka Gluten?

Tito's Handmade Vodka is gluten-free and certified as such. This is due to its corn base and explicit certification:

Corn-Based Production: Tito's is made from 100% American corn, a naturally gluten-free grain.
Explicit Certification: Tito's is certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) and labels its products accordingly.

Additionally, Tito's does not reintroduce mash after distillation, further ensuring its gluten-free status.

Potential Risks with Other Spirits

While pure, unflavored distilled spirits are gluten-free, caution is needed with other alcoholic beverages, especially those with added flavorings.

Flavored Vodkas and Other Additives

Additives Can Contain Gluten: Flavorings and sweeteners added after distillation may contain hidden gluten sources. Beyond Celiac advises caution with flavored spirits.
Cross-Contact: While unlikely at reputable distilleries with strict protocols, there's a theoretical risk of cross-contact during processing. Tito's corn base and transparent process minimize this concern.

Choosing Safe Spirits: A Comparison Table

Here is a comparison of different vodka types for a gluten-free diet:


Feature	Tito's Handmade Vodka	Vodka from Wheat/Barley	Flavored Vodka
Base Ingredient	Corn (naturally gluten-free)	Wheat, barley, or rye (contain gluten)	Varies (can be any base)
Gluten Status	Certified gluten-free	Gluten-free via distillation process	RISK (unless certified GF)
Safety Level	Highest for sensitive individuals	Safe for most, but some report sensitivity	Cautious. Check for "gluten-free" on label
Flavor	Unflavored	Varies based on source grain	Additives are the main flavor source
Recommendation	Safe and certified option	Safe, but some prefer non-grain based	Best avoided unless explicitly certified GF

Other Naturally Gluten-Free Options

Besides grain, spirits can be made from naturally gluten-free ingredients:

Potato: Offers a creamy texture (e.g., Chopin Potato Vodka).
Grape: Provides a smoother, slightly fruity taste (e.g., Cîroc).
Sugarcane: Results in a clean, slightly sweet profile, similar to rum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tito's vodka is gluten-free and a safe choice for those on a gluten-free diet due to its corn base and certification. Distillation removes gluten from all pure spirits, but Tito's naturally gluten-free source provides added assurance. Be cautious with flavored spirits, as they may contain hidden gluten. For high sensitivity, pure, unflavored, and certified options like Tito's are safest. For more information, consult resources like Beyond Celiac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Tito's Handmade Vodka is considered safe for people with celiac disease. It is certified gluten-free and made from corn, and the distillation process removes any potential gluten proteins.

According to the science of distillation, all pure, unflavored vodka is considered gluten-free, regardless of the base ingredient. The distillation process effectively removes the gluten proteins from the final product.

Distilling a vodka from a naturally gluten-free ingredient like corn, potatoes, or grapes ensures that no gluten is present from the start. For individuals with high sensitivity, vodkas with naturally gluten-free bases offer extra reassurance, even though distillation removes gluten from grain-based spirits as well.

Yes. Tito's is certified gluten-free by a recognized organization, the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), and the company is transparent about its production process, explicitly stating they do not add gluten-containing ingredients after distillation.

While scientifically unfounded for pure distilled spirits, some individuals with severe gluten sensitivity or allergies report feeling unwell after consuming grain-based vodkas. For these individuals, choosing a vodka made from naturally gluten-free ingredients, like Tito's corn vodka, can provide greater peace of mind.

The primary risk with flavored vodkas is that added flavorings or other ingredients introduced after distillation could contain gluten. It is always recommended to check the label for a gluten-free certification, or stick to unflavored varieties, like Tito's.

To ensure a cocktail is gluten-free, use a pure, unflavored, and preferably certified gluten-free vodka like Tito's. Additionally, ensure all other cocktail mixers, juices, and ingredients are also gluten-free by checking their labels.